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MRI findings rarely associated with spine-related symptoms

Incidental magnetic resonance imaging findings are not generally associated with the development of chronic low back pain or radicular symptoms, US study findings indicate.

5 Jun 2014

Comparative study shows ultrasonic Bonescalpel makes spine surgery safe, efficient

Misonix, Inc., an international surgical device company that designs, manufactures and markets innovative therapeutic ultrasonic products for spine surgery, skull-based surgery, neurosurgery, wound debridement, cosmetic surgery, laparoscopic surgery and other surgical applications, announced that Dr. Ajay Krishnan of the prestigious Stavya Spine Hospital and Research Center in India concluded after a comparative study in 100 consecutive patients that the BoneScalpel is better than conventional methods in terms of safety and efficacy as it reduces the number of dural tears and neurological deficit, reduces blood loss and shortens operating time.

4 Jun 2014

Article introduces set of proposed standards for research on cLBP

Standardized research methods are needed to make greater progress toward reducing the high burden and costs of chronic low back pain (cLBP), according to a Task Force report in the June 15 issue of Spine.

4 Jun 2014

Researchers investigate correlation between lower back pain and genes

Lower back pain is a broad yet subtle subject. It has widely been associated with early degeneration of the discs of the human spine.

4 Jun 2014

European researchers explore new tools for prevention of back pain

European researchers and clinicians are working hand in hand to unveil the mechanisms leading to back pain, likely the most widespread chronic pathology among humans. Until recently, it was assumed that disc degeneration was the main process behind back pain. The intervertebral discs are joints made of soft and very strain resistant material, placed between the vertebrae of the spine.

4 Jun 2014

Hispanic women urged to be informed about pregnancy and baby health

Hispanic women are significantly more likely to have a baby with a neural tube birth defect, and nearly a quarter of all preterm births in the United States are Hispanic, according to a new report from the March of Dimes.

4 Jun 2014

$Vitamin D with calcium can protect against risk of common bone fractures for seniors$

Vitamin D with calcium can protect against risk of common bone fractures for seniors

For seniors over the age of 65, taking a daily supplement of vitamin D with calcium—but not vitamin D alone—can offer some protection against the risk of common bone fractures, according to an updated review from The Cochrane Library.

4 Jun 2014

Insurer sues Medtronic over bone-growth drug

Humana Inc. alleges the device maker violated federal racketeering statutes by conspiring with prominent physicians to promote unapproved uses of the drug, reports The Wall Street Journal.

3 Jun 2014

First Edition: June 3, 2014

Today's headlines include coverage of Medicare data released Monday indicating that 2012 charges for some common inpatient hospital procedures dramatically increased over the previous year.

From Medtronic 3 Jun 2014

Clinical dietitian comments on documentary highlighting obesity epidemic

"The movie seeks to remove blame from the individual who is obese and overweight," says Lisa Cimperman, RD, clinical dietitian at University Hospitals Case Medical Center about "Fed Up," a documentary on the obesity epidemic currently in theaters. "The overriding theme is the food industry and sugar are responsible for driving the obesity epidemic."

30 May 2014

3D scans uncover the truth about Richard III’s spinal condition

Researchers, led by Professor Bruno Morgan at the University of Leicester, have finally been able to describe the precise nature of King Richard III’s spinal condition. He had scoliosis, causing his spine to curve to one side. He would have had a small but noticeable defect, which is unlikely to have interfered with his ability to exercise.

30 May 2014

National Surgical Hospitals purchases interest in The Fairfield Surgery Center

National Surgical Hospitals, Inc., an owner, operator and developer of surgery centers and surgical hospitals in partnership with local physicians, today announced that it has purchased an interest in The Fairfield Surgery Center, LLC located in Fairfield, Connecticut.

28 May 2014

FDA postpones Dispute Resolution Panel for FzioMed’s Oxiplex PMA

FzioMed, Inc. today announced it has agreed with the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to postpone the Dispute Resolution Panel for its Oxiplex PMA; the meeting was previously scheduled for June 10.z

28 May 2014

Spokane Valley Cancer Center partners with SCCA Network to become 12th Member in Northwest

Spokane Valley Cancer Center joined the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) Network to become its 12th Member in the Northwest this month. This relationship will expand access to cancer treatment options and help foster advances in cancer care in the greater Spokane community.

28 May 2014

Western University imaging scientists develop better way to track progression of MS

Imaging scientists at Western University's Robarts Research Institute (London, Canada) have developed a better way to track the progression of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) from its earliest stages.

28 May 2014

HAL robot suit helps paraplegics

For most paraplegic patients, being able to walk again remains a dream. The HAL robot suit can help them regain a certain degree of mobility and activity. An expert team at the Centre for Neurorobotic Movement Training (ZNB) in Bochum has been testing the exoskeleton that was originally developed in Japan since 2011. With excellent results.

20 May 2014

Scientists find new way to predict response to platinum-based chemotherapy in women with triple-negative breast cancer

Researchers from University Hospitals (UH) Case Medical Center's Seidman Cancer Center will present findings from a study that found the presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, ahead of treatment may help predict response to platinum-based chemotherapy in women with triple-negative breast cancer.

15 May 2014

Researchers develop new high-tech device for transferring DNA into cells

The ability to transfer a gene or DNA sequence from one animal into the genome of another plays a critical role in a wide range of medical research-including cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and diabetes.

14 May 2014

Commonly used drug restores blood flow to oxygen-starved muscles of boys with muscular dystrophy

Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute researchers have found that a commonly prescribed drug restores blood flow to oxygen-starved muscles of boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a genetic muscle-wasting disease that rarely is seen in girls but affects one in 3,500 male babies, profoundly shortening life expectancy. It is the most common fatal disease that affects children.

8 May 2014